Budapest has a reputation for being one of Europe's more affordable capital cities, but even here, entrance fees, hotel room costs, transportation, and food can add up quickly. The good news? Some of the city's most memorable experiences do not cost a single fornit. From incredible castle-district views to riverside walks along the Danube, there are plenty of free things to do in Budapest that still feel rich in history, culture, and atmosphere.
If you are planning a trip to Budapest on a budget, this blog post focuses on the free experiences that are genuinely worth your time, not filler stops or technically "free" attractions that you will be done with in a few minutes. Many of the city's most iconic landmarks, including Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, and the Hungarian Parliament Building, can be admired without purchasing an entrance ticket. However, if you are looking for a more complete look at Budapest's top sites, including attractions that require paid admission, our guide to the 12 Best Tourist Attractions in Budapest covers those in greater detail.
For hotel recommendations, neighborhood breakdowns, and even more things to do in the city, be sure to check out our Budapest Travel Blog, where we share everything you need to plan your trip from start to finish. In the meantime, these are the free experiences that consistently stand out, including the views, walks, and landmarks that prove that you do not need a large budget to appreciate Budapest.
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Without further ado, here are the free things to do in Budapest that are genuinely worth adding to your itinerary, including panoramic viewpoints and historic landmarks. Each offers a meaningful way to experience the city without spending any money or needing to book a ticket.
One of the best free things to do in Budapest, and the one place I return to on each trip, is Fisherman's Bastion. Located on the Buda side of the city in the Castle District, Fisherman's Bastion offers some of the most iconic panoramic views of the city, and you do not need a ticket to enjoy them. While the fairytale-looking upper turrets require paid admission, the free lower terrace delivers views that are just as impressive.
From Fisherman's Bastion, you have sweeping views across the river to Pest, including a picture-perfect view of the Hungarian Parliament Building. Turn around and you will find the colorful roof of Matthias Church just steps away, while the equestrian statue of St. Stephen I, Hungary's first king, anchors the square. Fisherman's Bastion is truly one of the best vantage points in Budapest, and arguably the most photogenic.
While there is no bad time to visit Fisherman's Bastion, the best time to visit is at sunset when the Hungarian Parliament Building, located directly across the river, is beautifully illuminated.
Just steps away stands Matthias Church, instantly recognizable for its colorful tile roof. Historically serving as the coronation church of Hungarian kings, including Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi, it has long held a central role in the country's royal and religious history.
While a visit inside requires paid admission (the interior is undeniably beautiful), the exterior is arguably the real masterpiece. The intricate Zsolnay roof tiles and gothic details are best appreciated from the lower (free) terrace of Fisherman's Bastion!
When most travelers hear "Buda Castle," they are often thinking of solely the former Royal Palace. In reality, the experience spans the entire Castle District, a historic plateau of courtyards, grand palaces, terraces, and scenic overlooks that are completely free to explore.
The district, including Buda Castle itself, has endured centuries of destruction and rebuilding. Large portions were heavily damaged during World War II, and later alterations under Hungary's Communist regime stripped away many of the grandiose and regal architectural details.
Even without stepping inside one of the museums now housed in the former palace, including the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, there is plenty to see. The grand Baroque dome of the Royal Palace dominates Budapest's skyline, panoramic terraces offer sweeping views of the Danube below, and the palatial courtyards are monumental in scale.
Look for the Turul statue, the mythological bird that symbolizes Hungarian strength and national identity, perched dramatically along the castle walls.
Another highlight is the Fountain of King Matthias, which depicts the 15th-century ruler on a hunting expedition. Often compared to the Trevi Fountain in Rome thanks to its theatrical composition and intricate details, the sculpture is one of the most impressive architectural features at Buda Castle and one that many visitors accidentally overlook.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place daily in front of Sándor Palace on the hour between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, with a more formal version held at 12:00 PM featuring rifle drills and music. Timing your visit in the morning allows you to enjoy the courtyards, terraces, and ceremony before the district becomes busier.
If you plan to visit Buda Castle, it is worth knowing that much of it - including its best viewpoints - can be experienced without entering inside the museums.
Walking across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge is one of the most worthwhile free things to do in Budapest. Completed in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest and played a central role in the city’s unification.
The bridge suffered significant damage during World War II, but was later rebuilt, adding another layer to its history. Today, it remains one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. From the pedestrian walkway, you will have clear views of Buda Castle on one side of the river and the Hungarian Parliament Building on the other, with the Danube running between them.
The stone lions guarding each end are among the bridge’s most photographed details. Whether you cross during the day or in the evening when the city lights reflect off the water, the walk itself is brief but memorable, and completely free.
Walking along the Danube Promenade is one of the easiest free things to do in Budapest to incorporate into any itinerary. This scenic riverfront stretch offers uninterrupted views of both the Buda skyline and the Hungarian Parliament Building, making it one of the most picturesque places in the city to slow down and take it all in.
Beyond the skyline, the promenade is home to several notable sculptures and memorials. The most famous and moving is the Shoes on the Danube Bank, a Holocaust memorial that honors the Jewish victims who were executed along the river during World War II. The row of iron shoes lining the water's edge is understated yet deeply emotional. It is a quiet, but essential stop that adds historical weight to an otherwise scenic walk. (You can find the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial just south of the Hungarian Parliament.)
Even if you do not linger long, this riverside path captures both the beauty and complexity of Budapest. At golden hour, Buda Castle is illuminated, boats drift past, and the hills in the distance rise softly in the background.
Heroes' Square is one of Budapest's most monumental public spaces, and it is completely free to explore. Built in 1896 to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the arrival of the Magyars in Hungary, the square centers around the towering Millennium Monument. At its base are statues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars, who led the Hungarian tribes into the Carpathian Basin in the 9th century. Atop the Millennium Monument is a statue of the Archangel Gabriel, holding a double cross (a symbol of St. Stephen) and the Holy Crown of St. Stephen.
The large colonnade behind the Millennium Monument features statues of Hungarian kings and statesmen, creating a visual timeline of the country's history.
Directly behind Heroes' Square lies City Park (Városliget), one of Budapest's largest and most relaxing public spaces. The park is full of wide walking paths, open lawns, and a peaceful lake.
Within the park, you will find Vajdahunyad Castle, a fairytale-looking Romanesque structure that now operates as an agricultural museum. While visiting the museum's interior requires tickets, walking around its exterior and enjoying the grounds is free.
City Park is also home to the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, although soaking in the thermal pools requires paid admission. With that in mind, we highly recommend setting aside room in your travel budget to visit the Széchenyi Thermal Bath or one of the other thermal baths in Budapest.
Whether you are pausing for photos, strolling along the lake, or simply taking a break from the city’s busier neighborhoods, this area offers a scenic change of pace.
Even if you are not planning to buy anything, stepping inside the Great Market Hall is one of the most colorful free things to do in Budapest. The city’s largest indoor market is a feast for the senses, filled with stalls selling paprika, cured meats, fresh produce, and traditional Hungarian souvenirs.
The building itself is worth admiring. Completed in 1897, its soaring iron structure and patterned roof tiles make it one of Budapest’s most striking examples of late 19th-century architecture.
While sampling food or purchasing gifts will, of course, cost money, simply wandering through the aisles and soaking up the atmosphere is completely free. It is an easy way to experience everyday life in Budapest, especially in the morning when locals are doing their shopping.
Budapest’s Jewish Quarter offers a completely different scene than the grand boulevards and castle views found elsewhere in the city. Here, crumbling façades and historic buildings serve as canvases for large-scale murals, colorful graffiti, and thought-provoking public art.
Many of the murals reflect Hungary’s complex history, while others lean playful and contemporary. The contrast between old architecture and bold modern artwork gives the neighborhood an energy that feels layered and lived-in.
Even if you only wander a few blocks around Kazinczy Street, you will encounter striking murals tucked between cafés, ruin bars, and historic synagogues. Exploring the area is entirely free and offers a glimpse into a more modern, creative side of Budapest; one that feels distinctly different from the castle district or riverfront.
If you are somehow not tired of city views after visiting Fisherman’s Bastion, the Chain Bridge, the Danube Promenade, and Buda Castle, you will be glad to know that Gellért Hill offers yet another vantage free point—arguably the best of them all.
Gellért Hill is easily identified by the Citadella and the Statue of Liberty that crown its summit, both visible from across the city. The Statue of Liberty, erected in 1947 by the Soviets, commemorates Hungary’s liberation from Nazi Germany during World War II. It is one of the few Soviet-era statues that remain on display in Budapest today. (The others have been moved to Memento Park.) Although its symbolism has shifted over the decades, it is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
While you can reach the top of Gellért Hill via public transportation, hiking up Gellért Hill is far more rewarding. The full loop is just shy of three miles and typically takes around 90 minutes to complete at a comfortable pace. There is a fair amount of uphill walking, but the path is clearly defined and includes stairs, making it manageable for most visitors with good walking shoes.
Even with so many free things to do in Budapest, thoughtful planning can stretch your budget even further.
Budapest's metro, trams, and buses are reliable, efficient, and extremely affordable. Multi-day transit passes offer excellent value, and many routes double as scenic experiences, especially the trams (streetcars) that run along the Danube. In contrast, taxis and rideshare services can be quite expensive.
Even getting to and from the airport is also straightforward and inexpensive, despite being located on the outskirts of the city. The dedicated Airport Bus 100E runs directly between the airport and the city center, offering a quick and cost-effective alternative to taxis. It is one of the easiest ways to start and end your trip without overspending.
If you do need a taxi, avoid unmarked or "freelance" taxis, as these can open the door to inflated fares. Instead, use a licensed taxi company or a reputable rideshare app (like Uber or Freenow). That being said, public transportation will still be the most economical and efficient option for getting around the city. For more information about public transportation in Budapest, be sure to check out our Essential Budapest Travel Tips.
Where you choose to stay can significantly impact how much you spend on a trip to Budapest. The Jewish Quarter (District VII) offers a central base within walking distance of major attractions, reducing transportation costs while placing you close to restaurants, bars, and historic sites.
For even lower nightly rates, consider staying in District IX, Ferencváros, where Budapest's football team, Fradi, play. While the area is less atmospheric than Castle Hill or Belváros–Lipótváros (District V), it is well connected by metro and can be a smart choice for budget travelers.
For an easy way to compare neighborhoods, prices, and amenities in one place, you can search for hotels in Budapest with our affiliate partner, Booking.com.
If you plan to visit the Széchenyi Thermal Bath or St Stephen's Basilica, reserving your tickets ahead of time allows you to budget properly. While booking in advance may not offer you a monetary savings, planning these experiences in advance makes it easier to structure your days around the many free experiences highlighted in this guide.
The same strategy applies to train travel. Whether you are arriving in Budapest by train or planning a day trip to nearby cities like Bratislava or Vienna, train tickets are typically cheapest the earlier they are booked. Waiting until the day of travel can mean significantly higher fares, especially on popular international routes.
We recommend using our affiliate partner, Rail Europe, to compare routes and book train tickets in advance. One added benefit is that if you reserve multiple train journeys at once, you only pay Rail Europe's booking fee once, which can make a noticeable difference if you are visiting multiple cities by train.
A little advance planning can go a long way toward keeping your overall trip costs predictable and manageable.
If your primary goal is saving money, consider visiting Budapest during the off-season. Winter through early spring (excluding the popular Christmas market period which is mid-November through January 1st, annually) typically brings lower hotel rates, more competitive flight prices, and fewer crowds at major attractions.
While the temperatures are cold, Budapest's museums, cafés, thermal baths, and indoor markets make it a rewarding destination year-round. Visiting in the off-season allows you to experience many of the same landmarks and viewpoints highlighted in this guide, at a fraction of the peak-season costs.
Budapest is generally affordable, but like anywhere, prices can climb in high-traffic areas. Restaurants directly facing major landmarks, along the Danube, or near popular squares, can charge significantly higher prices for the same quality that you can find just a few streets away. Walking even just five or ten minutes off a main tourist corridor can make a meaningful difference in both price and atmosphere.
When it comes to exchanging money, skip standalone currency exchange booths. Instead, withdraw Hungarian forint directly from an ATM attached to a reputable bank, like OTP Bank. Bank-operated ATMs typically provide better exchange rates and reduce the risk of hidden fees.
Some touristy restaurants and shops may accept euros, but the exchange rate they use is rarely favorable. You will almost always pay more using euros than if you pay in Hungarian forint, so it is best to use the local currency whenever possible.
Budapest is proof that you do not need an expensive itinerary to experience a city filled with architectural grandeur, history, and beautiful views. From the terraces of Fisherman's Bastion and the courtyards of Buda Castle, to the panoramic hike to the top of Gellért Hill and strolls along the Danube Promenade, many of the best free things to do in Budapest are also among its most iconic experiences.
That said, the most well-rounded trips often combine these free attractions with a few intentional splurges. Soaking in one of the city's historic thermal baths, seeing the Crown of St. Stephen inside the Hungarian Parliament Building, or booking a sightseeing river cruise can add depth to your visit without overwhelming your budget. The key is balance.
Smart planning makes that balance even easier. Using public transportation instead of taxis, staying in well-connected neighborhoods, booking attractions and train tickets in advance, paying in Hungarian forint, and traveling during the off-season can significantly reduce unnecessary expenses.
Compared to nearby Vienna, Budapest offers many similar cultural experiences - grand architecture, coffeehouses, and Central European cuisine - often at a noticeably lower price point. Budapest is one of our favorite cities for that reason. We do not consider ourselves budget travelers, but we do love saving money where we can, because that often means more opportunities to travel again!
Whether you are visiting Budapest for a single day or building a longer Central European itinerary, focusing on the best free things to do in Budapest ensures your trip feels rich in experience, not just expense.
For more detailed guides, neighborhood recommendations, and planning resources, explore our Budapest Travel Blog to continue organizing your visit.
Have you discovered any other free things to do in Budapest that we should add to this list? Share your recommendations in the comments below, we genuinely value suggestions from fellow travelers. And, if Budapest is still on your travel wish list, tell us know what you are most excited to experience!